According to the result, the 2025 Census recorded an enumerated population of 6.74 million, whereas the country's true population is estimated at 7.24 million. Furthermore, the census identified 313 thousand former household members who migrated abroad over the last decade. When factoring in these emigrants, the combined count of resident and non-resident Lao individuals stands at 7.55 million.

The event was chaired by Mr Santiphab Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Chairperson of the National Steering Committee for the 2025 PHC. More than 300 representatives from government ministries, local authorities, UN agencies, development partners, diplomatic missions, the private sector and civil society attended the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Santiphab expressed his sincere gratitude to national and local institutions and key development partners—including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), China, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the United States and Germany—and particularly to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the lead coordinating agency, for their vital support in successfully conducting the country’s first-ever digital census.

He urged all stakeholders to make extensive use of the census findings as a robust evidence base to guide the monitoring and implementation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, sectoral strategies, budget allocations and investments in infrastructure, health, education and poverty reduction.

Mrs Phetsamone Sone, Deputy Minister of Finance and Head of the Lao Statistics Bureau, presented an overview of the key findings on behalf of the National Steering Committee, highlighting several important demographic trends in the Lao PDR.

Population overview: The census recorded a population of 6.74 million. However, the Post-Enumeration Survey (PES) indicated a net undercoverage rate of 7.0 per cent, resulting in an estimated total population of 7.24 million.

Demographic dividend: The working-age population (aged 15–64) has increased to 65.0 per cent of the total population, accompanied by a notable decline in the dependency ratio. This demographic shift presents a significant window of opportunity to accelerate economic growth.

Progress in education: The overall literacy rate among people aged six and above has reached 83.6 per cent.

UNFPA Representative Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov congratulated the Lao Government on this important milestone and emphasised the importance of translating census findings into action.

“Counting people is only the first step—the real benefit of the census lies in using those data to design relevant policies so every community can thrive and no one is left behind. UNFPA will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners to ensure the data are widely used to drive the Lao PDR’s sustainable development,” he said.

KPL